Best Nursing Homes in Tennessee

Overview of Harbert Hills Academy Nursing Home

Owned by Alton Cantarutti, Harbert Hills Academy Nursing Home is a nursing facility on Lonesome Pine Road in Savannah, Tennessee. The 24-bed home has been operating for 33 years. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted, providing coverage options for families managing post-acute or ongoing skilled nursing care.

The facility focuses on hands-on clinical support. Total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 23 minutes per resident each day, a solid foundation for residents who need substantial daily assistance. Rehabilitation services are a core focus, supported by on-site local doctors and a registered dietician. The home provides specialized dietary planning, including vegetarian and plant-based options. Pharmacy consulting and controlled temperature management are also available.

Amenities on-site include a century whirlpool system, television service, and WiFi access. Residents and staff benefit from 24-hour licensed service to provide support around the clock. The home also offers programs including CNA training classes, religious services, and beauty and barber services, so there’s structure and personal care in residents’ routines.

The home is located in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 60. Savannah offers a mixed landscape of accessible nearby errands and services. However, most regular trips require driving. The 24-bed community size is small, but it has three decades of operating history, suggesting a stable and familiar setting for residents and their families.

Operated by the Dixie Mae Taylor-Huff Estate, White House Health Care, Inc. is a skilled nursing facility in White House, Tennessee, offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and respite care. The 140-bed community serves Robertson County and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

CMS rates the facility 5 stars overall, placing it well above Tennessee averages across all four sub-categories. The strongest differentiator is staffing. Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident per day, about 27% above Tennessee’s average of 3 hours and 40 minutes. Physical therapy staffing is 80% above state averages, an important measure for a facility with an average resident stay of 87 days and a meaningful post-acute caseload alongside longer placements.

Residents have access to 24-hour staffing coverage.

White House Health Care is best suited for residents seeking post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term skilled nursing care in Robertson County, with staffing depth for higher-acuity clinical needs across both short- and long-stay populations.

Overview of Life Care Center of Athens

Life Care Center of Athens is a 128-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility owned by Life Care Centers of America, Inc., and administered by Joshua Malonein in Athens, Tennessee. It’s been licensed since 1992, serving McMinn County. Accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
CMS grades Life Care Center of Athens 5 stars, 63 percent above Tennessee average, with all four sub-categories rated above the state benchmark. The health inspection rating is 71 percent above Tennessee average. One health inspection appears on record since 2019, producing 4 total moderate citations, placing the facility 13th of 176 Tennessee nursing homes by total citation count. No critical or serious citations recorded within seven years, all 4 citations were corrected, and no penalties assessed in the past three years. RN hours at 56 minutes per resident per day are 51 percent above Tennessee average of 37 minutes, and weekend RN coverage at 44 minutes per day is 83 percent above the state benchmark of 24 minutes. Both figures reflect consistent clinical oversight across the week. Short-stay re-hospitalization at 10.7 percent is 52 percent better than Tennessee average of 22.2 percent, the standout outcome measure. Self-care at discharge at 67.1 percent is 25 percent above the state figure. Short-stay falls with major injury at 2.2 percent are 182 percent above Tennessee average of 0.8 percent, a figure worth discussing with leadership. Long-stay hospitalizations at 1.27 per 1,000 resident days run 20 percent better than Tennessee average, and antipsychotic use at 25.0 percent is 51 percent above the 16.5 percent state benchmark.
Amenities include a secured Alzheimer’s and dementia care unit, a Community Re-Entry Program, a fine dining program, and landscaped grounds and courtyards.
Life Care Center of Athens suits McMinn County families wanting a 5-star facility with a strong health inspection record, above-average RN coverage, and dementia care.

Overview of Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation

Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation is a church-affiliated, voluntary non-profit nursing home in Etowah, TN, that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. Serving McMinn County and the surrounding East Tennessee area since July 1, 1992, this 88-bed community brings over 33 years of dedicated operational experience under the ownership of Athens Regional Medical Center, LLC.

A commitment to high-quality care is evident in the community’s 4-star overall CMS rating, which highlights above-average composite performance across health inspections, staffing metrics, and quality measures. A review of recent inspections also reveals 10 total citations across two standard evaluations over the past five years. All cited areas were of moderate severity, with absolutely zero critical or serious infractions, and every item under infection control, administration, and pharmacy services has been fully resolved. The most recent inspection was completed in February 2024.

Clinical oversight is a particular area of strength, specifically regarding registered nurse presence. Older adults benefit from 49 minutes of RN coverage per resident each day, which stands 32% above the Tennessee state average of 37 minutes. This strong clinical presence extends into the weekend, where RN hours average 27 minutes, which is 13% higher than the state benchmark. Overall daily nursing coverage also reaches a robust 4 hours and 11 minutes. While LPN/LVN and nurse aide hours sit modestly below state means by 15% each, and physical therapist hours are slightly under the state average, weekend nursing totals remain completely in line with regional benchmarks. As of Q2 2025, operations are supported by 71 total staff members, with 69 employees and 2 contractors, maintaining an average shift length of 9 hours and a staff-to-resident ratio of 1.11:1.

Comprehensive rehabilitation therapies are provided, alongside fully licensed nursing and CNA assistance. Due to its direct relationship with Athens Regional Medical Center, the community also features a hospital-affiliated care model boasting an exceptionally broad roster of medical specialties. Available programs include behavioral health, telehealth services, cardiology, vascular support, diabetes care, cancer care, infusion services, digestive health, urology, orthopedics, and sleep diagnostics. Administrative offices are open to assist families Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Located in an area with a Walk Score of 40, most daily errands will necessitate transportation, though a handful of neighborhood services remain within walking distance.

For older adults in East Tennessee seeking a hospital-aligned skilled nursing environment with superior RN supervision and expansive specialty programs, Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation stands out as an excellent choice in McMinn County. The community’s long-standing history in the Etowah neighborhood, paired with its church-affiliated non-profit foundation, establishes a deeply rooted and stable identity.

Overview of The Pavilion Senior Living

The Pavilion Senior Living is a 74-bed senior living community in Lebanon, Tennessee, offering a wide continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services, skilled nursing, and respite care. This broad range of support makes the community one of the more comprehensive care options in the area for older adults whose needs may change over time.

One of the community’s key advantages is the ability to provide multiple levels of care within the same setting, which can reduce the stress and disruption often associated with moving between separate care communities as medical or personal care requirements evolve. The community also maintains licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants on staff, supporting both long-term residents and individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or hospitalization. Rehabilitation services and respite stays are also available, making the community a practical option for families seeking temporary recovery support or short-term caregiver relief.

Located on Medical Center Drive in Lebanon, the community sits in a largely car-dependent area with limited walkability to nearby errands or services. Transportation planning may therefore be an important consideration for residents and visiting family members.

The Pavilion Senior Living is a practical option for older adults and families looking for flexibility and long-term continuity in care planning. For families navigating post-acute recovery, progressive memory loss, or future care uncertainty, the community’s broad service model offers a level of adaptability that is not always available in smaller or single-focus senior living settings.

Overview of Henry County Health and Rehabilitation

Henry County Health and Rehabilitation is a highly recognized nursing home in Paris, TN, offering a wide range of nursing services and rehabilitation. The community strives to keep older adults comfortable and safe in its warm and nurturing environment. Residents also experience a worry-free lifestyle, as exceptional services, including well-balanced meals, therapeutic programs, and 24-hour care, are provided. Alongside a wide range of specialized care, personalized care plans are also provided to help residents recover and live comfortably.

Cooking classes, holiday events, and outings are just some of the activities that residents can participate in to continue learning and make friends. Well-lit hallways, top-notch rehabilitation equipment, and cozy common areas also ensure residents can rest and focus on their well-being. West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital is also located nearby, ensuring quick access to medical needs. This nursing home continuously provides exceptional services for older adults’ welfare, making it a great choice for senior living in Tennessee.

Overview of Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing

Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is a privately owned, 60-bed nursing home in Lebanon, Tennessee, that focuses on short-term recovery and subacute post-acute support. Serving Wilson County and the nearby region, the community maintains a 5-star overall CMS score, the maximum possible achievement, alongside a High Performing honor for short-term recovery from U.S. News & World Report.

This community is part of the Carerite Centers network and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds. Current occupancy is 88.1%, which is higher than the state average, suggesting a balanced demand and availability. Of this, Medicare represents roughly 57% of new entries, and private payments cover 35%.

Federal inspection records show a total of 4 findings across the two most recent standard reviews, with no financial penalties or payment halts documented over the last three years. During the most recent routine check in August 2022, one deficiency regarding food sourcing and service protocols was cited, indicating no actual injury occurred. A previous review in October 2018 also identified three findings, involving the accuracy of resident evaluations, the recording of entry orders, and the execution of infection control programs.

All were judged as causing no physical harm to residents. None of the findings in either report reached the level of immediate danger or substandard care quality. It should be mentioned that the last standard check is now over two years old, meaning a new review cycle is technically past due according to federal timelines.

Caregiver levels serve as a significant highlight for this community, with total nursing time reaching 2 hours and 58 minutes for each resident daily. Licensed Practical Nurse hours are 1 hour and 24 minutes per resident each day, which is 29% higher than the Tennessee state average, while Physical Therapist time is 40% above the state average at 7 minutes daily. Registered Nurse time is 39 minutes per day, 5% above state standards. Additionally, the nurse turnover rate of 45.5% is more stable than the Tennessee average of 48.7% for older adults.

Programs include orthopedic recovery, care for amputees, subacute surgical follow-up, respiratory assistance, IV treatments, and specialized memory support. The location also features a unit for developmental disabilities, hospice and palliative care, diabetes management, bariatric services, and outpatient therapy. Daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also available on-site, along with visits from dentists, podiatrists, and eye doctors. The center provides 24-hour admissions and staffing as well as temporary relief stays. On-site features include specialized dining, a concierge program, and high-end services designed to provide a luxury atmosphere for short-term patients.

Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is an excellent option for those moving from a hospital to their residence who require focused therapy and medical oversight, as well as for families looking for long-term nursing or memory support in the local area. The regulatory history is among the strongest in the region, and the staffing levels, especially regarding LPN and physical therapy time, reinforce the high-performing status.

Overview of The Bridge Assisted Living at Life Care Center of Sparta

Managed by administrator Justin Freeman and owned by Latessa Morris through Sparta Medical Investors, The Bridge Assisted Living at Life Care Center of Sparta handles skilled nursing, rehab therapies, and memory care within a 60-bed building. Operational since 2000, the downtown facility works with an even mix of short-stay admissions, with 47% using Medicare and 47% paying privately, while 6% rely on Medicaid. The building carries a Walk Score of 44, reports an average resident stay of 61 days, and runs a 62.6% occupancy rate alongside a 2023 net operating loss of $530.6 thousand on $12.4 million in revenue.

Public oversight logs show a stable regulatory history with zero federal fines or penalties issued over the past three years. Daily care times hover near the state benchmark, with nursing staff providing an average of 3 hours and 18 minutes per resident each day. Clinical quality archives reveal strong numbers for preventive health, including a 100% vaccination rate for permanent residents and low rates of depression and antipsychotic medication use.

On the short-term rehab side, vaccination numbers and medication tracking also outpace state baselines, though the facility’s long-term care files note some performance dips, with serious injuries from falls tracking 59% higher than the Tennessee average alongside elevated rates of urinary tract infections.

Prospective residents researching local nursing or rehabilitation setups can look through these government tracking metrics to see how the home handles daily care. Since the health records highlight great short-term vaccination tracking and zero recent fines alongside some elevated fall numbers for long-stay residents, the paperwork fits a facility with a solid foundation in preventive care.

Overview of Weakley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Weakley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a nursing home in Dresden, Tennessee, offering nursing services, rehabilitation, and respite care. Operating since July 1, 1992, this community is licensed with 136 beds, making it one of the larger clinical settings in the region. This grander scale also allows for a diverse assortment of shared comforts, specialized clinical pathways, and structured therapeutic schedules.

Oversight is maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Care Facilities, which completed its latest review on June 28, 2024. On clinical success measures, outcomes diverge based on length of stay. For permanent residents, the data is exceptionally robust, with hospital transfers trending at 0.78 per 1,000 resident days, which beats the Tennessee baseline of 1.58 by 44%, while emergency room visits run 36% below the state average. These metrics signal strong management of complex chronic conditions.

For short-stay rehabilitation guests, re-hospitalization frequencies are at 11.7%, and emergency room transfers at 6.5% also dramatically outpace state benchmarks by 47% and 42%, respectively. However, scores regarding major-injury falls, self-care independence at discharge, and successful neighborhood integration trail state medians and warrant close evaluation. Personnel records show that licensed practical nurse hours are 18% above the state average at 1 hour and 17 minutes daily, while weekend registered nurse coverage beats the baseline by 8%. Total nursing hours and standard registered nurse contact remain close to the state average, though physical therapist hours trail the state average.

Confirmed treatments include physical, occupational, and speech therapy provided daily, weekends included. Short-term rehabilitation, respite stays, advanced wound care, on-site laboratory and X-ray diagnostics, local physician rounds, an internal psychologist, and dedicated pain management are also available. Additionally, it operates as a veteran-contracted setting to accommodate eligible service members. Social comforts feature gourmet dining, an on-site beauty salon, updated lounges, outdoor courtyards, weekly group excursions, religious services, and regular entertainment.

Weakley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is best suited for older adults requiring ongoing long-term supervision and those with chronic illnesses who value steady medical oversight.

Hermitage Health Center is a 70-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Elizabethton, Tennessee, operated by Ocoee Hermitage Health Center, LLC, under the administration of Andrew Call. Licensed since 1992, the nonprofit community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay and provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside memory care services.

CMS rates the facility 5 stars overall, 63.4% above the Tennessee average, driven by an exceptionally clean inspection record. Across three inspections since 2019, the facility recorded 5 citations, compared with a Tennessee average of 15.4; its rate of 1.67 citations per inspection ranks 8th out of 176 Tennessee SNFs. None of the five citations were critical or serious; all were moderate care planning citations that were later corrected. No fines or enforcement actions appear in the record.

Staffing is mixed. Total nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 11 minutes per resident per day, 13% below the Tennessee average, with LPN staffing also below state norms. The offsetting signal is RN staffing, which averages 55 minutes per resident per day, 49% above the state average. Weekend RN staffing is 50% above average, which suggests strong weekly clinical oversight.

The facility’s 94-day average length of stay and rehabilitation service lineup, including PT, OT, and speech therapy, reflect a post-acute orientation. Occupancy rate is 68%, modestly below the state average of 71.6%, indicating current availability.

Hermitage Health Center fits residents seeking short- to mid-term skilled rehabilitation in Carter County, as well as those requiring memory care in a facility with a standout compliance record.